NomOrigine Background

Last Name Tchertkoff

What is the origin of the last name Tchertkoff?

The surname Tchertkoff is of Russian origin. It is derived from the Slavic male given name Chertkov, which means "small-eyed" or "sharp-faced". Over time, variations such as Tchertkov, Tchertkoff, and other spellings have arisen due to transliteration and adaptation to different languages.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Tchertkoff

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tchertkoff

The meaning and origin of the last name Tchertkoff

The surname Tchertkoff is of Russian origin, specifically from the region around St. Petersburg. It derives from a variety of Slavic given names that have been patronymically formed, where '-ov' or '-off' is a common suffix added to male names to indicate son. In this case, the name Tchertkoff may have originated as a derivative of the Russian name "Chertok" which translates to "little cherry tree." Over time, due to various factors such as emigration and assimilation, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have slightly evolved. The Tchertkoff family is known for being among the early pioneers of Russian America in Alaska during the 18th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tchertkoff

The Tchertkoff surname primarily originates from Russia and its neighboring regions, indicating its historical association with the Slavic population. Notably, a significant number of people bearing this name can be found in Ukraine and Belarus, reflecting the dispersal of Russian populations during various historical events. Additionally, there is a notable presence of Tchertkoffs in Estonia, Finland, and other Baltic countries due to migration during the Soviet era. In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, the name has been traced back to Russian immigrants who migrated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries seeking economic opportunities, primarily settling in urban areas such as New York City and Detroit. In summary, Tchertkoff is a predominantly Slavic surname with a notable diaspora in Baltic countries and North America, particularly the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tchertkoff

The surname Tchertkoff has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Tchertkov, Chertkov, Tsertkov, Chertkov, Tshertkov, Tschertkoff, Chortkov, and Chertkoff. These variations may arise from different phonetic interpretations or transliteration of the name from Cyrillic to Latin script. Additionally, immigrants may have altered the spelling of their names during assimilation into new cultures. The original Russian surname is likely derived from the word "chert" meaning devil and the suffix "-kov," indicating a place name or occupation associated with devils in folklore.

Famous people with the last name Tchertkoff

Tchertkoff is a relatively uncommon surname, but it has been associated with several notable individuals. One of the most recognized is Alexander O. Tchertkoff, an American astronaut who served as a mission specialist on Space Shuttle missions STS-47 and STS-60 in the 1990s. In science, Leon Tchertkoff was a Russian mathematician and statistician who made significant contributions to the field of probability theory. In the world of literature, Isaac Tcherepnin, born as Ivan Tchertkoff, was a Russian-American composer, pianist, and conductor known for his works in classical music. Lastly, Vladimir Tchertkoff, also known as Vlado Tchertkoff, was a prominent Russian-born American photographer who specialized in fashion and portrait photography.

Genealogical research on the last name Tchertkoff

The Tchertkoff surname originates from Russia and is believed to be of Jewish descent. The earliest known records of the Tchertkoffs date back to the 16th century in the Pskov region. One of the notable members was Lev Nikolayevich Tchertkoff, a Russian naval officer who participated in the Crimean War and later became a close associate of Tsar Alexander II. The family immigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many settling in New York City and other major urban areas. Notable American Tchertkoffs include Joseph Tchertkoff, a prominent Russian-American architect who designed several buildings in Manhattan, and Marsha Ternovsky Tchertkoff, an author known for her children's books.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Tchagbele (Last name)

surnames > tchagbele

The last name "Tchagbele" originates from Togo in West Africa. It is likely of Ewe or Mina descent, as these are prominent ethnic groups in the region.

Tchakala (Last name)

surnames > tchakala

The last name Tchakala is of African origin, specifically from the Tchamba ethnic group in northern Cameroon. It is believed to be derived from the Tchamba language and may have si...

Tchakoum (Last name)

surnames > tchakoum

The last name "Tchakoum" is of African origin, particularly from Cameroon. It is derived from a local ethnic group or language in the region.

Tchakoumi (Last name)

surnames > tchakoumi

The last name Tchakoumi originates from Greece.

Tchala (Last name)

surnames > tchala

The surname "Tchala" is of African origin, specifically from the Yoruba people in Nigeria. It is believed to be a variant of the Yoruba surname "Sala" or "Shala", which means "weal...

Tchamako (Last name)

surnames > tchamako

The last name Tchamako appears to be of African origin, specifically from Cameroon. It is possible that the name is derived from a local language or tribe in that region. Unfortuna...

Tchameni (Last name)

surnames > tchameni

The surname Tchameni is of African origin and specifically from West Africa, more precisely from countries like Ivory Coast and Cameroon. It is derived from a Bantu ethnic group or...

Tchamitchian (Last name)

surnames > tchamitchian

The last name Tchamitchian is of Armenian origin.

Tchamou (Last name)

surnames > tchamou

The last name "Tchamou" is of African origin, specifically from the Ewe people in Togo and Ghana.

Tchang-minh (Last name)

surnames > tchang-minh

The surname Tchang (or Zhang in Mandarin Chinese) is one of the most common family names in China, derived from the Old Chinese *Zhōu. It is a Cantonese romanization of the Mandar...

Tchango (Last name)

surnames > tchango

The last name Tchango is of African origin, specifically originating from the Fang ethnic group in Central Africa.

Tchantchane (Last name)

surnames > tchantchane

The last name "Tchantchane" is of African origin, specifically from the country of Cameroon. It is derived from a local Cameroonian language and may have various meanings or signif...

Tchaparian (Last name)

surnames > tchaparian

The last name Tchaparian seems to have an Armenian origin. It is likely derived from the Armenian word "chapar" which means messenger or courier. It is possible that the surname Tc...

Tchapda (Last name)

surnames > tchapda

The origin of the last name "Tchapda" appears to be from the Bamileke ethnic group of Cameroon. The Bamileke people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Cameroon, and they are p...

Tchaptche-noubissi (Last name)

surnames > tchaptche-noubissi

The surname Tchaptche-Noubissi is of Cameroonian origin. It is a combination of two African names. The first part, "Tchaptche", is likely derived from a Bantu language spoken in C...